Jack Endries has a score to settle with the NFL after falling to the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Cincinnati selected the Texas tight end with the 221st overall pick, leaving 220 players off the board before he finally heard his name called.

For a player who had started 39 college games and recorded 1,376 receiving yards, draft day didn't unfold as he had hoped. Endries finished his college career with the Longhorns after two seasons at California, but teams repeatedly passed on him before Cincinnati took a chance.

Many players might struggle to move past that disappointment. Endries, however, has turned it into motivation, keeping track of the teams that overlooked him and the tight ends selected ahead of him.

"I'll keep track of every person who was, every tight end who was taken before me and every team that passed on me," Endries said.

The rookie also made clear that he intends to make opposing players feel his frustration on the field. His determination reflects a player eager to prove that his draft position doesn't define his potential.

Now, Endries must turn that motivation into production. Cincinnati offers him an opportunity to prove the teams that passed on him wrong.

Jack Endries is Yet to Make his Mark with the Bengals

Endries recorded 33 receptions for 346 yards and three touchdowns during his lone season with the Texas Longhorns. Across three college seasons, he finished with 124 catches, 1,376 yards and seven touchdowns.

However, his NFL career has yet to take off. Endries hasn't played an offensive snap for Cincinnati this season, although he caught six passes for 43 yards and a touchdown during the preseason.

With veteran tight end Tanner Hudson now out for the season, Endries could finally get his opportunity. The rookie must capitalize on any chances that come his way if he wants to establish himself in Cincinnati.

Written by

Joseph Nithin